The Rambling Skeptic

  Responsibility to yourself means refusing to let others do your thinking, talking, and naming for you; it means learning to respect and use your own brains and instincts; hence, grappling with hard work. – Adrienne Rich At the age of eleven, my parents made the decision for our family to begin attending church regularly. At that time, my understanding of church was limited, and my primary concern revolved around the prospect of wearing a dress, as I had always identified more as a tomboy. Prior to this, I lacked significant critical thinking skills, but as we became frequent attendees at church, I gradually began to adopt its perspectives. During my teenage years, I remained largely unaware of political matters, focusing instead on more immediate concerns such as my current boyfriend and the latest albums I wished to acquire. As I matured, I began to observe the church's engagement with political issues, particularly during the elections involving Gore and Bush. The cong...

  During my time as a believer, one of the initial factors that prompted me to question my faith was the apparent lack of transformation among Christians. The doctrine emphasizes that by accepting Jesus, one will experience a profound change, have their sins erased, and become a different person. This approach is not conducive to healthy coping mechanisms and can ultimately undermine mental well-being. Any licensed therapist would affirm that healing is a gradual process. Throughout our lives, we have internalized negative behaviors and coping strategies, and it takes time to unlearn these patterns. Simply reciting a prayer does not resolve deep-seated issues, particularly in the context of addiction. This situation often leads individuals who struggle to overcome their challenges to doubt their commitment to God. When they seek guidance, they are frequently advised to read the Bible more or to pray. While it may be suggested that they consult a pastor for counseling, it is importa...